BONARDA

History

Bonarda Piemontese, now officially listed simply as Bonarda but also known as Bonarda di Chieri and Bonarda del Monferrato is a red Italian wine grape variety that is grown in the northwestern region of Piedmont. Prior to the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century, Bonarda was speculated to have accounted for 30% of the plantings in Piedmont but today is only found in scattering plantings along the left bank of the Tanaro river near Govone. In the mid 1990s, the grape experience a slight revival as Piedmontese producer sought to add more aromatics to their Barbera wines by blending in Bonarda.

It is often confused with "Croatina" or the "Uva Rara" , which are quite distinct varieties.

Grown mainly in the provinces of Asti and Turin, but also in the Pinerolo, in the Susa Valley and the Canavese. The name was first used in 1799 by Count Nuvolone to indicate a variety of Turin hills.